Rise above petty politics
KOTA KINABALU: Chief Minister Tan Sri Musa Haji Aman urged the people in Sabah to rise above petty politics and remain united as our progress depends on us being able to work with one another.
“We must rise above petty politics and maintain the civil society that exist in our beloved state.
“Do not allow those with vested interest to use race or religious sentiments to jeopardize the prevailing unity and mutual respect that we have enjoyed all this while,” Musa said in his New Year message.
“Do not allow parochial thinking to close our minds, as we need to work with the rest of the country in order to enjoy progress.
“Despite being multi-ethnic and multi-religious, peace and harmony is a way of life in Sabah,” he said.
Musa also call on all quarters in Sabah to cooperate with one another, and the civil service to give its best in implementing plans and in ensuring the needs of all stakeholders are met.
He said: “The ability to adapt to changes and to evolve in a fast paced global economy requires us to transform our thinking.
“Malaysia’s transformation towards a high-income nation is on-track with the various policies that have been introduced in the past decade.
“Diverse programmes have been rolled out, leveraging on Malaysia’s strengths and these are now bearing fruit for the country and its people.
“The Economic Transformation Programme (ETP) and Government Transformation Programme (GTP) are providing us the right footing to compete in this region, and in a challenging world.
“Under the leadership of Prime Minister, Dato Sri Najib Tun Razak, Malaysia is on the right track towards achieving greater progress and equitable development throughout the country.”
Musa said Sabah too has over the past decade transformed itself into becoming a state that is increasingly competitive within Malaysia, and this region.
“This is due to consistent efforts to improve the economy, taking care of the welfare of the people, maintaining political stability and ensuring that development reaches those who need it most.
“The Sabah Development Corridor will, in January, be in place for 10 years since its launch, and we have seen how the focus on tourism and logistics, palm oil and the oil and gas sectors are creating new sources of growth.
“Projects that are generated via these initiatives are not only creating more local entrepreneurs, but are also helping to generate a pool of knowledge workers.
“There are many positive spinoffs that come from a vibrant economy, and one that is based on diverse sectors in line with the Halatuju or State Development Agenda.
“Our focus for this year is to continue implementing some of the key projects that will bring benefit to the people.
“These include infrastructure projects such as the Pan Borneo Highway, issuing communal grants and ensuring Mini Estet Sejahtera (MESEJ) meets its goals.
“In tandem with that, it is our vision to see quality and affordable housing for Malaysians and we are working with the Federal Government to ensure that education and healthcare remain priorities.”
The Chief Minister pointed out that he tabled a RM4.104 billion State Budget for 2018 November 2017, with a surplus of RM64.89 million.
“Our theme ‘Strengthening the Economy, Prospering the People’ is in line with ensuring that Sabah’s development and prosperity of the people are our top priorities.
The Government has been consistent in ensuring that everyone benefits from policies and programmes that are introduced, and that we are able to further bridge regional gaps within Sabah.
“On behalf of the Sabah State Government and my family, I wish all Malaysians a Happy New Year 2018.
“The new year is a time for fresh resolutions, and for many, this is a starting point to achieve new goals.
“It is my hope that we will all achieve what we set out to do in this new year.
“On that note, I wish you a Happy New Year 2018.”